10 Good Friday Piano Songs for Meditation and Worship
Perhaps the most solemn day in the church calendar is Good Friday. It takes place the Friday before Easter and is a dramatic commemoration of Jesus' death on the cross. Church services held on this day are typically very somber, quiet, darkly lit, and offer lots of time for reflection.
Church musicians play a central role in services like this. There are many songs in the church's repertoire that address the topic of Good Friday, and when arranged and performed appropriately, musicians can contribute powerfully to the reverent and meditative nature of these times.
When looking for songs to perform on the piano at your Good Friday service or your own personal times of reflection, you don't want arrangements that are loud, fast-paced, or that draw attention to themselves. You instead want settings that are soft, peaceful, and that draw attention to the message of the songs.
Good Friday Piano Songs
Here are 10 songs for Good Friday, arranged for solo piano, that are appropriate for your reverent times of worship and meditation.
1. Were You There
One of the most appropriate songs for Good Friday, this African-American Spiritual is raw, passionate, and simple. "Were you there when they crucified my Lord?"
> Get the Sheet Music for Were You There
> Also available as a duet for Piano and Violin
2. The Old Rugged Cross
A favorite of many for good reason. Its clear message and heartfelt tone provide a personal connection to what can feel like an abstract observance.
> Get the Sheet Music for The Old Rugged Cross
3. When I Survey the Wondrous Cross
"...on which the Prince of Glory died. Did e'er such love and sorrow meet or thorns compose so rich a crown?" A meditation on the very meaning of Good Friday.
> Get the Sheet Music for When I Survey the Wondrous Cross
4. How Deep the Father's Love for Us
A modern hymn that explores the theology behind the story of Good Friday in a way that's worshipful and soul-stirring.
> Get the Sheet Music for How Deep the Father's Love for Us
5. Jesus Paid It All
A song of response: "Jesus paid it all. All to him I owe."
> Get the Sheet Music for Jesus Paid It All
6. Above All
Such a beautiful melody with a chorus that fills the heart with worship. If the message of Good Friday is dark and gloomy, this song reminds us why it's such good news.
> Get the Sheet Music for Above All
7. There Is a Fountain
This setting for solo piano features cinematic sounds and harmonies to draw attention to the richness of the lyrics. If your meditation on Good Friday feels a bit stale, this arrangement offers a fresh take.
> Get the Sheet Music for There Is a Fountain
8. Oh He Loves You and Me
The simplest truths are often the most profound. "He gave his life. What more could he give? Oh, how he loves you and me."
> Get the Sheet Music for Oh How He Loves You and Me
9. Amazing Grace
A classic for good reason. Everyone knows it, but here is a fresh arrangement for solo piano.
> Get the Sheet Music for Amazing Grace
> Also available for Easy Piano
10. Give Thanks
Not often thought of as a song for Good Friday, but what more appropriate response could there be? "Give thanks because he's given Jesus Christ his son."